NASA evaluates x-ray system

Digitome reports that NASA is evaluating one of the company's imaging systems for possible use during the test of space shuttle components. The Digitome Volumetric x-ray imaging system has the potential to look through shuttle wings and detect defects that are invisible to other nondestructive imaging systems.

According to Digitome, NASA has performed field tests on the tool at its Marshall Space Flight Center. In one test, the system found minute cracks in the internal structure of a wing leading-edge carbon-composite panel removed from the Orbiter and subjected to similar conditions to the Columbia on lift-off. Digitome says the system was able to measure the width of the cracks as well. The system combines x-ray imaging hardware with software that "dials" through any object, producing images on a computer screen that can be manipulated for closer inspection. www.digitomecorp.com.